Treatment
We offer a range of programs and pathways for the integrated treatment of addictions and mood disorders. All programs are tailored to meet the individual needs of clients and are designed, structured, and supervised by a multi-disciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, GPs , registered nurses, psychotherapists and counsellors.

Self-Tests
The goal of these self-tests is not to provide a definitive answer as to whether you or someone you care about has a clinical diagnosis of a disorder. It is an opportunity to raise your awareness about how presenting symptoms may be impacting aspects of your life, or the life of someone you care about.

About Us
South Pacific Private (SPP) is a Treatment Centre on Sydney's northern beaches specialising in the integrated medical, psychiatric and psychotherapeutic treatment of addictions and mood disorders. In addition to being a registered Acute Care Psychiatric Hospital fully licensed by the NSW Department of Health, SPP is accredited by the Australian Council on Health Care Standards. (ACHS)

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Treatment Approach and Options

At South Pacific Private treatment is tailored to meet the individual needs of clients and are designed, structured and supervised by a multi-disciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, GPs, registered nurses, psychotherapists and counsellors. We offer a range of programs and pathways for the treatment of Anxiety disorders, Mood disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Alcohol Addiction, Substance Abuse, and Behavioural Addictions.

Key Concepts of the SPP Approach explained:

Addiction is a disease

At SPP we see addiction as a disease with spiritual, emotional, and physical components, - this disease can be arrested but not cured.

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) definition of addiction reads: “Addiction is characterized by the inability to consistently abstain impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one's behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response. Like other chronic diseases, addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death.

Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. This is reflected in an individual pathologically pursuing reward and/or relief by substance use and other behaviors.”

Dr David Mee-Lee (Addiction specialist and Consultant to SPP) states: “There is a need for comprehensive addiction treatment of the underlying disease process in the brain that has biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations.”

You are not responsible for your disease,but you are responsible for your recovery

The high prevalence of coexisting mental illness and substance use disorders is well established in both clinical practice and throughout the literature.

At SPP we are committed to addressing the challenges of coexisting mental illness and substance use disorders concurrently by the same group of clinicians within the same treatment program. Our team of clinicians is led by our Medical Superintendent, Dr Ben Teoh, one of Australia’s leading experts on dual diagnosis / comorbidity.

Psychotherapeutic Program

At the heart of the SPP approach to treatment, is the believe that developmental trauma, causes a predictable range of core issues which we address at the same time as the presenting problems (mental illness, substance use) in order to support long-term recovery and healing through a group therapy approach and setting.

Therapeutic Community

SPP has developed a range of strategies to promote healthy communication within the client community. It is within this therapeutic community that we can facilitate the development of self-awareness, accountability, emotional maturity and functional adult skill building.

Continuing Care and Relapse Prevention

Our Continuing Care program, and aftercare planning, is an integral part of our treatment program and helps prepare clients for re-entry into their home, work, and social environments.

Treating the whole family

At SPP, we believe that treating the whole family is more effective than treating just the individual. A cornerstone of our treatment is the Family Program, where family members are invited to participate in an intensive and supportive program of education, structured exercises and guided discussions that explore the family system and relationships.

Treatment Options

Inpatient / Residential Program

Research and our experience has shown us that the most effective way to holistically treat clients with acute needs, and bring about the changes needed, is to provide a 24/7 therapeutic environment. Our Inpatient / Residential Program is designed to address problematic behaviours, attitudes, and feelings.

Day & Evening Programs

Our day and evening programs are designed to support clients who are functioning well enough in their day-today lives to be able to remain in their home environment while seeking treatment. In addition to being an alternative to the inpatient program, day and evening programs can also provide continuing care for clients after they have completed the inpatient program. Download our day program brochure here

Specialised Programs

We offer a range of specialised programs at SPP that make up components of the therapeutic journey. Our specialised programs include (but are not restricted to):